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Save the stripes

Photo: V. Sreenivasa murthy

FUTURE If children do not realise the importance of protecting the environment, we might be looking at a sad future , says Swati

I feel that the message of conservation of the environment must be given to children, since they will be able to spread the message of saving the environment and maintaining the balance,” says Swati Popat Vats, the author of “Yipes! Why does Zelda need stripes?”

Swati is an educationist and has authored many books on children and parenting. She says: “I have created a visual-based book, since I feel that the children will be able to associate with the story with pictures. “Yipes! Why does Zelda need stripes?” is a simple story about a zebra and her stripes, inspired by a pre-school song, “Zelda the zebra”. The story aims to draw attention of children to the issue of animal conservation even as it discusses the significance of every body part of the animal.”

She adds: “To make it more authentic and look natural, the illustrations in the book have been carried out by six-year-old Nivid Rao, whose illustrations and colouring has added to the beauty of the book.”

Swati’s story speaks of interdependence of the animal species on each other and their importance in the eco-system.

She feels that getting across the message of conservation and prevention of ecological degradation must be inculcated in children since they have the capacity to make the change, since they are the next generation.

She says: “Childhood fun and freedom and the environment is facing the threat of extinction. I hope this book will lead children to observe nature and not be confined to their drawing rooms with gadgets like television and computer. ”

Children can help protect nature and the environment; a healthy environment and Earth are crucial to the future of our children — explains Swati, speaking of how the two feed of each other.

However, the highlight of the book is Master Nivid Rao’s illustrations. She feels, “If children do not realise the importance of protecting the environment, we might be looking ahead at a very sad future as a planet. We hope children get environmental conscious and are able to convince their parents about the importance of animals and vegetation.”

Swati is currently also working on a book on Te whariki principles of curriculum in New Zealand; it is a book for teachers.

The 30-page book is available at book stores across the country.

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